Local teams face first test of season before conference play opensMichael ChristopherAssistant Sports Editor

We've all seen our fair share of reality television shows such as "Wife Swap", and this Friday in Ola the Pottsville Apaches and Ola Mustangs face that same situation as the teams will be swapping places - at least concerning their home and away records, not their wives.

The Mustangs (1-1) will start their home opener against a team who has only played at home this season; and been perfect. Ola opened their first two weeks on the road, first winning at Subiaco and then losing to Perryville last week. The Apaches (2-0), on the other hand, will look to test themselves on the road as they haven't seen any other grass than at John Needham Stadium.

"I think it's time. It's our third game of the year and its time to see what we're like on the road," Pottsville head coach Bryan Rust said. "It's going to be another test for us to see where we're at."

Last year, Pottsville defeated the Mustangs 41-13 as one of their three wins last season. This year in only two games, Pottsville has scored 73 points and given up 48 while the Mustangs have scored 48 and given up 45.

"I look forward to getting a chance to play on the road and respond to a little adversity going on a road trip and playing Ola," Rust said. "They've got a spread, and I think they've got a couple of good receivers, but it should be a good test for us as a warm-up before conference play starts."

Ola head coach David Minnie said he hoped his team would put up a good fight against Pottsville strong running attack.

"I think Pottsville's is a physical, very well coached football team," Minnie said. "They have some talented athletes, they run the football very well. They're defense is strong and we're just going to go out there and do our best, compete against them and hope we turn it into a good ball game."

Rust said he looks forward to the challenge of playing on the road, but said his team must establish the run. Jacob Irwin, Tyler Robertson and Will Vodraska's names were mentioned as playmakers who could play a vital role in Pottsville's game plan.

"The guys that really got to tote the mail are Jacob Irwin and Tyler Robertson playing at fullback. We don't expect him to make any huge runs, but we expect him to really pound the ball and really take ball control," Rust said. "I would say the guys who need to have a good game are our fullbacks.

"Our game plan every week is to establish the run, but if they crowd the box too much, then we're not scared to throw the ball here and there."

Defensively, Minnie said he wanted to stop the run. Offensively, he said his ball club need to take what the defense gives it, but to also stick with what is working for them.

"They've got such a powerful running game with that dead-T and got three backs, four with the quarterback, that can get yardage and get it down the field," Minnie said. "We've got to know our assignments on defense, read our ques and react to them, make a play and not give up the big run.

"Offensively we're just going to do what we've always done and try to mix it up with a little run and pass. We've got a little bit more a spread formation. I think we can we move the ball. It just depends on what rhythm we get into and if we come out and show that we can move the football on the ground, then we may stay with it. If we're struggling a little bit, then we'll go to the air. It may be a little bit more riskier than keeping it on the ground, but we've got great confidence in our quarterback and receivers and our offensive line does a great job of giving us time, then we're going to do what it takes for us to be competitive right now."

In order for Pottsville to be successful, Rust said his team must limit the big plays on defense. He said Ola has some good playmakers who "are physical and can burn you quick or go deep or even underneath."

"They have some really good receivers and the quarterback throws the ball real well, so we don't want to give them the big plays and let them get rolling too quick," Rust said.

Both coaches said their teams have no major injuries just bumps and bruises. Each coach said the key to the game would be taking what the defense gives them. They said they felt this game would be a good test before starting conference play next week.